Erdogan and Macron discuss eastern Mediterranean amid growing tension between Turkey and France – Al-Manar channel website – Lebanon



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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron discussed, in a phone call, the situation in the eastern Mediterranean region, amid growing tension between Turkey and France.

The Turkish presidency affirmed, in a statement issued tonight, Tuesday, that Erdogan and Macron made a phone call in which they discussed the situation in the eastern Mediterranean region, bilateral relations between Turkey and France, as well as between the Turkish side and the European Union.

According to the statement, Erdogan emphasized that ignoring the legitimate rights of Turkey and Turkish Cypriots in the eastern Mediterranean represents a cause of tension in the region.

The Turkish president indicated that his country “does not covet anyone’s rights, but will not allow their rights to be digested.” He said Turkey supports dialogue and the use of diplomatic means to solve current problems.

Erdogan pointed out to Macron that Turkey cannot understand why France supports the steps and claims of Greece and Cyprus, adding that his country expects the French side to follow a thoughtful and constructive approach to de-escalation in the eastern Mediterranean.

For months, the eastern Mediterranean region has experienced great tension in the context of Turkey’s exploration of energy resources in waters Cyprus and Greece consider their own, while the European Union has repeatedly expressed support for its position, criticizing the actions. Turkish “illegal”.

Macron also harshly criticized the Turkish maneuvers, especially in the context of the “harassment” of a French ship at sea, saying that France no longer considers Turkey a partner in the development of the Mediterranean region, while Ankara responded to the French president with various offensive statements.

Source: Agencies



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